It is the summer of 1936, and the Dead family is on their ritual Sunday drive through town in their green Packard. Although the drive affords Macon little pleasure, he enjoys the opportunity to flaunt his affluence and prosperity. Ruth enjoys showing off her family, and Lena and Corinthians like watching the men. For five-year-old Milkman, the trip is "simply a burden."
During the drive, the Dead family's strained conversation touches on numerous topics that reveal the family members' personal beliefs and values. While Corinthians is excited about Macon's plans to establish a beach community at Honoré for "high class Negroes," Ruth's comments are generally ignored. Lena is intent on keeping the peace between her parents, and Milkman fidgets and finally finds a way to escape his imprisonment — he needs to go to the bathroom. After a brief stop results in a minor family crisis, the family heads back home.
